King Charles says journey to mark eightieth anniversary of Auschwitz liberation is ‘so essential’ as he welcomes Holocaust survivor to Buckingham Palace
The King has described his decision to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau as ‘so important’.
Charles spoke about his forthcoming trip when he met Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg at a Buckingham Palace reception commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.
Mr Goldberg, 94, who survived concentration camps, including Stutthof, and a death march when just a schoolboy, said the first thing the King mentioned was the trip, saying it was ‘now official’ after it was announced earlier by Buckingham Palace.
‘I feel I must go for the 80th anniversary, (it’s) so important,’ the King later told the elderly survivor who visits schools to give first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, and was described by the King as ‘very special’.
Charles will travel to Poland to join other dignitaries and Holocaust survivors invited to a service, held at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, commemorating the 80th anniversary.
Ahead of the event next Monday, Charles will meet members of the local community in Krakow and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, Buckingham Palace has said.
Mr Goldberg said about the trip: ‘I find it almost difficult to put into words, and I’m not often lost for words.
‘But I think it is an astounding affirmation by His Majesty that he fully understands the colossal injustice and atrocity that was perpetrated against Jewish people during the Holocaust.
King Charles was snapped lighting a candle during the reception in memory of those killed in the Holocaust, as Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg (centre) watched on
‘And he seems to have made it an active component of his life to do what he can to ensure that people become aware.’
Mr Goldberg added: ‘He, like me, is trying to spread knowledge that once people understand what the Holocaust represents, I think every single one contributes to preventing it ever happen again.
‘Silence never helps the oppressed, it always helps the oppressors.’
More than a million people, mostly Jews but also Poles, Soviet prisoners of war and other nationalities, were murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Second World War as part of the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish men, women and children were killed.
The camp was liberated by soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27 1945.
Elsewhere, the King has sent a message to the people of Glasgow praising the city for its rich culture and centuries of resilience as it celebrates its 850th anniversary.
Charles said he and the Queen wanted to extend their ‘heartfelt congratulations’, adding: ‘It goes without saying that people really do make Glasgow.’
King Charles met Manfred Goldberg, aged 94, who survived Stutthof concentration camp
Charles was seen shaking Mr Goldberg’s hand and greeting his wife Shary Goldberg, before the trio engaged in conversation at the reception
The King was dressed smartly for the reception, donning a matching grey suit with pink and grey patterned tie and polished black shoes
The monarch was snapped listening intently with guests at the reception marking Holocaust Memorial Day, which is on January 27
Mr Goldberg, posing with a painting of himself, also lived through death marches, which is where weak prisoners were forced to walk long distances, with many dying on the journey
Charles also visited a display of candleholders created as part of the ’80 Candles for 80 Years’ nationwide project by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
King Charles III speaks to guests during a reception marking Holocaust Memorial Day at Buckingham Palace
King Charles speaks to students who created some of the 80 Candles for 80 Years on display
Mr Goldberg and his wife Shary Goldberg pose beside a portrait of himself during a reception marking Holocaust Memorial Day
The monarch called on Glaswegians to come together to mark this year’s milestone, and ended with the Scottish city’s motto ‘Let Glasgow Flourish’.
The King said: ‘Both the Queen and I wanted to extend our most heartfelt congratulations to you all as Glasgow celebrates its 850th Anniversary. It goes without saying that people really do make Glasgow.
‘As one of the most diverse cities in Scotland and beyond, it is entirely fitting that the celebrations to mark this milestone are equally vibrant, demonstrating the rich culture, heritage and captivating history of your ever-evolving city.
‘I hope that Glaswegians, new and old, can come together throughout this year to reflect on centuries of resilience, enterprise and shared achievements, all of which, I am sure, will guide you towards an even more prosperous future.
‘On this special occasion, I join all of you who have had the privilege of calling Glasgow your home, whether that be for a fleeting moment or for an entire lifetime, in repeating with wholehearted enthusiasm your magnificent city’s rousing motto: Let Glasgow Flourish.’
The message was signed ‘Charles R’.
Celebrations in Glasgow will span across the year and begin with the opening concert of the Celtic Connections music festival on January 16.
The King has an enduring love of Scotland, spending many summers at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire with the royal family.
